160 vs 180 thermostat

/6 Matt said
Changing the tune doesn't change how the engine is machined. Youre going to wear things out much faster.

Machined...? NO.
180-220 is fine. Expansion factor is what speaking of. 150 or less would be a problem.
With more power comes more heat, tune is changed from stock, not within stock parameter. If his motor is shrouded by a tight compartment ..whos to say there aren't hot spots the gauge doesnt show in the back near the firewall...
...get a heat gun and zap some readings, then see. Your 360 say 0 intial timing too, you gonna run it that way..?
**** has expanded by 180, even if it didnt..its not blowing up over it.

famous bob said
I think most of lasting longer has to do with overdriven transmissions , it is like not putting as many miles on the engine -----------less rpm.

Yep and fuel injection. New engines dont get the fat or lean spells our carburetor engines do..and they auto adjust for optimal timing on the fly...the overhead cams outlive the old stuff mostly as well...the ring packages are better...the machining process is light years ahead of say what a 440 was carved on.
Its definitely NOT because of running temps like some in this thread are overstressing.